Thunder Bay is the largest city in northwest Ontario with a population of approximately 115,000. As the major service centre in the northwest, Thunder Bay provides an important "jumping off" point for visitors travelling west into the Sunset Country region. Commercial flights from major Canadian cities such as Toronto or Winnipeg allow you to avoid extended trips in the car and they cost about the same. The City of Thunder Bay is a destination in itself with great accommodations, shopping and restaurants. A must see in the area is Fort William Historical Park, probably one of the most interesting tourist attractions in all of Ontario. You can also pick your own amethyst at the Amethyst Mine Panorama. Amethyst is the official gemstone of Ontario and has a beautiful purple colour.